Good to know! Check that part off my list! :)

Thanks!

No prob! Just give me a shout when you have some time! The SSP is getting ready for paint, so don't take TOO long! ;)

I read the comments over at CCdC. Frankly, I get tired of all the clown car comments and the way they criticize peoples cars and ideas. It's your car, build it the way you want. If you want to make the inside a museum to what a CHP mustang looks like, then go for it. I'm sure people will understand that you don't want the unneccesary attention that a black and white will bring.

I had posted a thread over there about a Police Buick GN I found, but didn't bother to post the photos and interesting info I found out about it because they wouldn't have appreciated it anyways.

The important thing is that the car is being saved and can easily be finished back to CHP with just some primer and white paint.

Good luck with the project!!

Jim, I let the matter die over there regarding Greg's definition of a clown car. He's entitled to his opinion. I won't let it spoil the fun I'm having with my SSP, and I hope David enjoys his new project.

I have to agree....I don't think it's a clown car because the doors aren't painted white. While we strive to maintain "correctness" in both restoration and how the cars are perceived here, there's still room for various levels of "completeness". To me, a clown car is full of the wrong equipment (such as LEDs), too many antennas, newer markings, etc. etc. etc. We have all seen these types of "restos" and fully understand why some of these people do them that way. I don't think that's the case here.

I think that the term "Clown" can be misinterpreted and misused especially when used with different generations of auto enthusiasts. If you are in the true and specific point of absolute accuracy of the unit, that means that the CHP car should be black and white (or solid white for those special units) without fail and in some ways that's the interpretation of a restoration at CCdC with minimal gray allowed there. I get what you are doing but then again, I come here to this board regularly and I understand. Being a regular at CCdC and the hobby since 1998 I've seen many transitions over the years, the accuracy is the biggest point in a restoration and that is what is the target for the true historical restorer. In my opinion, you do what you want with the car but depending on your audience, your car will be received with different reactions. Much like an SSP being converted for racing is met with an extreme reaction of horror and disgust as with the race crowd would think it's cool. The demo derby guys are really met with disgust there at CCdC for obvious reasons.

It's strictly on interpretation and that's all. Your car and money do with it what you want.

Dave, you enjoy that car and I look forward to seeing it done!

Body side door moldings were deleted.

Ummmm... I am confused. All the pix of the 1986 CHP SSPs HAD door mouldings. Please advise?

Thanks!

David

As far as the restoration is concerned, yes, I am conflicted. Part of me wants to paint her black/white, however part of me doesn't. In a way, I feel that I am doing her an injustice by painting her black/white. I am a LEO here in TX, and with that comes the ability to work traffic control duties (Off Duty Work), for lane closures, construction etc.... My intent is to put her back "In Service" performing those types of duties. That having been said, I want to maintain her origins. The correct CHP Spots have already been installed, and I have purchased NOS deck lights. I am going to install a motorola XTL2500 digital radio under the seat (as to hide it), but install the correct CHP radio and scanner for appearances sake. I suppose one could say that I am trying to HYBRID the mix of OLD/Original vs NEW. If you want to call it a clown car, then by all means do so. I for one disagree. My SSP will live on doing "In Service" duties, which I can assume, that MOST if not ALL restored police cars don't get the chance to do. She will be happier working, than not.... that is my opinion, others are welcomed too.

That's retarded! That was and could be a badass original car.
I've got an 88 that you can ruin.
It's a tx car so you will fit in.

David,

The rubber moldings on the doors were not installed on the CHP cars, which allowed the logo/lettering to be put on the doors. The door has a horizontal ridge along the molding line, which you can see in this in-service shot of a 1986 CHP Mustang -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net.../CHP/86CHP.jpg


...but the door molding isn't installed on the CHP Mustangs. There are add'l pictures in our CHP picture gallery.



I do not know what the requirements are in your area for using a personal vehicle during off-duty traffic control, but it sounds like that is your intention with your new SSP. You will need to ensure that you are operating your vehicle within the constraints of the local/state laws. LEO or not, you will be inviting the interest of other LEO's (i.e. getting stopped) if your car has visible lights if they're not allowed. As I recall, you had been planning to repaint the car all-black, but with the correct lights. Just be aware of your public perception while operating your classic/antique police car. There have been some incidents where the owners used poor judgment while operating their former police cars on public roadways which could have ended badly for the hobby in general, and for those owners in particular.

In regards to the TX state laws regarding OFF DUTY use of personal motor vehicles for the purposes of TRAFFIC CONTROL/FUNERAL ESCORTs, we are REQUIRED to have "POLICE" markings on the cars. We are also REQUIRED to have 360 degree of warning lights with RED being required, and BLUE/AMBER being optional. Most officers have picked up retired CVPIs, and use them, while others use misc. vehicle types. I understand that most of you don't know this, however, in TX, construction companies are REQUIRED to hire Full-Time Off Duty Peace Officers to perform traffic control duties on job sites where 'Lane Closure(s)", or normal flow of traffic is to be interupted for periods of time. So how is this RETARDED? I am a little taken aback by your comment. I feel it was uncalled for at best. The side jobs pay between $25-$35 an hour, and will PAY for the restoration in no time. (Or Re-Pay) as I am restoring her first... LOL

As far as the restoration is concerned, I have decided to stick to the "ALL BLACK" route. I am otherwise, going to equip it with the correct CHP gear that was used in 1986.

Another "Bright Spot" is that Chris has graciously allowed me to retain her TX Vanity plates that he had for her. They read "86 CHP" and are in the new Black/White "Lone Star State" style, which will look killer on her when she is all black.

I am open to hearing differing opinions here.

As we discussed before David, you aren't doing anything to the car that isn't easily reversible. When I purchased the car, I planned on repainting it all black as well to use as a driver as I didn't want a black/white car for daily use (drawing too much attention). So you are continuing with my original goal for the car anyway, with the added super-cool perk of putting it back in duty. All of that said, it wouldn't take any time for the next person who owns the car to repaint the doors white and the roof and they are good to go. And for everyone's info, I showed David where the unit number is on the door so he will take special care to not have that covered.

And I'm glad you'll get to use the plates, I purchased them in those colors specifically because I knew the car would be black or black/white someday and the black/white plates would look killer. Can't wait to see some progress pictures!

David,

Your car, and your call. We've had some pretty decent threads going on here in recent times, and all are encouraged to share their OPINIONS without name calling or childish remarks.

Personally, if I were in your situation, I'd find a much-newer and more disposable Crown Vic and use it. If someone smashes into it at a construction EJ, as an example, you probably wouldn't care too much. The Mustang, on the other hand, is not as easily replaced. I know....odds are that nothing like that would ever happen...but there's still a chance.

My thoughts exactly. Why put an antique and not so easily replaced vehicle at such risk? And by the way, I worked for a national heavy civil construction firm for a number of years and can tell you first hand that collisions in highway work zones, esp. at night, were frighteningly frequent. States where we experienced high numbers included Texas...

David, obviously the original CHP rear deck lights and Ruby Red spotlight will not satisfy the requirement in Texas for 360* warning lights. So you will need to use supplemental lighting, not only to meet the letter of the law, but also to improve your visibility (and safety) around other drivers. In addition to safety concerns, you should give some consideration to your comfort. The Mustang seats are not comfy for a long stretch. Is your 25yo A/C system up to the task of keeping you cool in warm weather for an entire overtime assignment? Is your car's cooling system going to keep the engine from overheating while idling for an extended period?

I'm just throwing ideas out there for you to consider. :)